Protecting British seafarers

This week transport secretary Grant Shapps announced a nine-point plan to protect seafarers, protecting workers from the disgraceful behaviour we have seen from P&O Ferries.

  • The way 800 loyal and experienced workers were treated by P&O Ferries was shameful and utterly unacceptable. There is no excuse for their actions – and the Conservative government will hold them to account.
  • There may be people on both political extremes who suggest that P&O Ferries are simply adopting free market hire and fire policies. Whether it comes from the left of the right, this is simply not true - a free market, in labour or any other commodity, cannot work without fair and honest dealing, and that starts with respecting the law. The disregard for his legal obligations demonstrated by the Chief Executive of P&O Ferries was breathtaking and utterly unacceptable. 
  • That is why the government has announced a nine-point plan to ensure something like this cannot happen again – including changing the law so that seafarers are paid at least the minimum wage; closing legal loopholes which allow ferry operators to undercut British workers; and working with international partners to create minimum wage corridors.
  • Conservatives will ensure that P&O Ferries cannot benefit from their actions, whilst sending the message to others that such disgraceful actions will never be tolerated. 

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